Engaging Unitarian Universalist Congregations in the AI Conversation

INTRODUCTION

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has profound implications for individuals, society, and our faith communities. As Unitarian Universalists (UU), we must consider how AI aligns with our values and can serve as a powerful tool to help us live out our principles of justice, equity, compassion, and the interconnected web of all existence. AI offers us an opportunity to extend our human creativity, enhance our work, and encourage thoughtful dialogue around ethical and social issues.

This guide serves to introduce UU congregations to AI and its ethical, social, and theological implications. We aim to provide practical guidance on how congregations can leverage AI to support their missions while navigating the complex ethical questions it presents. How should we balance human and machine thinking? How can we ensure that the powerful tools we develop serve humanity rather than control it? These are essential questions we must ask and explore within our communities.

In this evolving guide, we outline why AI matters to UU congregations, how it aligns with UU values, practical ways congregations can begin using AI tools, and steps for ongoing engagement, reflection, and advocacy. We invite you to join us on this journey toward creating a more compassionate and thoughtful future, guided by human-centered use of technology.

WHY AI MATTERS TO UU CONGREGATIONS

AI is reshaping our world at an incredible pace. From the way we communicate and gather information to how we work and make decisions, AI's impact is undeniable. For UU congregations, engaging with AI means not only understanding the technology but also critically reflecting on how it aligns with our shared values. As UUs, we emphasize justice, equity, and compassion, and these principles must guide our response to AI.

Ethically, AI challenges us to reflect on what it means to be human in a world where machines can think, create, and even predict our behavior. We must explore whether the development and deployment of AI technologies respect human autonomy, dignity, and privacy. For instance, Elon Musk's vision of connecting humans with AI through Neuralink raises questions: Is this an extension of human potential, or does it undermine our autonomy? These questions call us to be proactive, not passive, in engaging with AI.

Beyond the ethical considerations, AI can be a practical ally for UU congregations. It has the potential to assist us in organizing and supporting our spiritual missions, from producing the order of service and weekly newsletters to finding hymns and readings and even aiding in writing sermons. By embracing AI, we have the opportunity to expand our capacities while staying true to our core values.

ALIGNMENT WITH UU VALUES

Incorporating AI into our congregations aligns with several key UU principles. Our commitment to the free and responsible search for truth and meaning is directly linked to understanding and engaging with AI. Technology is shaping our world, and our faith calls us to engage with it thoughtfully, ethically, and inclusively.

Additionally, the concept of "technomorality," coined by Shannon Vallor, emphasizes that technology and ethics are deeply interwoven. For UUs, this means that our principles—such as justice, equity, and compassion—must be the guiding force behind AI development and use. Our goal is not only to use AI effectively but also to ensure that it contributes to a just, compassionate, and interconnected society.

Drawing inspiration from the Hindu tradition of Ayudha Puja, where tools are celebrated as extensions of human agency, we can view AI as an extension of our human intentions and ethics. It is a tool that demands responsible stewardship, just as any other powerful technology. This perspective encourages us to see AI not as an alien or uncontrollable force but as a tool that can be used to enhance our human capabilities when guided by our values.

UURAI’S MISSION

It is out of this interest and concern that Unitarian Universalists for Responsible AI, in alliance with AI and Faith and in collaboration with Peter Bowden (UU Growth, Outreach & AI), are working to advance the AI conversation within our faith. We are dedicated to educating UU congregations and individuals about the profound impact of artificial intelligence and neurotechnologies on society and the world. We aim to foster thoughtful dialogue rooted in UU principles of justice, equity, and compassion while promoting the ethical and responsible development of AI.

Through workshops, advocacy, and partnerships, we emphasize how these technologies can serve humanity and address critical moral and societal challenges. We recognize the need for immediate intervention and invite UU communities to engage with these innovations in ways that uphold the dignity of all people and care for our planet, shaping a future that reflects our shared values and covenant.

PHASED APPROACH TO ENGAGEMENT

To thoughtfully engage UU congregations with AI, we propose a phased approach that builds awareness, fosters dialogue, and moves towards action and advocacy. Below is an overview of the approach:

Build Awareness

  • Subscribe to UURAI’s monthly newsletter, launching in January, to stay informed about AI topics.

  • Follow the content we publish on Smartacus, AI and the Human, and Peter Bowden’s YouTube channel.

  • Join our meetings in Zoom each Thursday at noon EST. To be added, write Dan Forbush at dan@smartacus.com.

  • Establish an AI 'point person' in each congregation to serve as a resource and coordinator for AI initiatives.

  • Host informal meet-ups and AI-themed small groups to introduce members to AI and its implications.

  • Create resource libraries, both digital and physical, that congregants can use to learn more about AI.

  • Share UURAI content in congregational newsletters and on social media to reach a wider audience.

  • Offer introductory workshops on AI concepts to help congregants understand what AI is and how it works.


Foster Dialogue

  • Facilitate small group discussions on specific AI topics, focusing on ethical, social, and theological dimensions.

  • Participate in "AI and the Human" conversations hosted via Zoom to engage with the broader UU community.

  • Host guest speaker events featuring experts in AI ethics and theology to provide deeper insights.

  • Integrate discussions on AI into existing meetings and programs, such as social justice initiatives and book clubs.

  • Develop thematic sermons that explore AI ethics, technomorality, and the intersection of technology and spirituality.

  • Organize forums and town halls to discuss AI's impact on society, inviting participation from all congregants.


Move Towards Action and Advocacy

  • Educate congregants on AI policy issues and encourage advocacy efforts that align with UU principles.

  • Collaborate with both faith-based and secular organizations working on ethical AI to amplify our impact.

  • Support initiatives that use AI for social good, such as projects that enhance equity, access, and community well-being.


Build Long-Term Support

  • Collaborate with UUA leadership to integrate AI initiatives into broader UU goals, ensuring alignment with our values.

  • Develop partnerships with other faith communities to advocate for ethical AI use on a larger scale.

  • Create ongoing programs and initiatives to sustain congregational attention to evolving AI issues, keeping the conversation alive.

PRACTICAL USES OF AI IN UU CONGREGATIONS

AI can be a valuable tool for supporting congregational activities, enabling us to work more efficiently while focusing on our spiritual mission. Here are some examples of how AI can be used practically in UU congregations:

  • Administrative Tasks: AI can assist in taking minutes during meetings, automating routine communications, producing the order of service, and generating weekly newsletters. By automating these tasks, congregations can free up time for more meaningful engagement.

  • Content Generation: AI tools can help find hymns, readings, and even contribute to sermon writing. For example, AI could suggest themes or structure for a sermon, which ministers can then adapt to fit their message. This allows leaders to focus more on the spiritual core of their message rather than spending excessive time on drafting.

  • Community Engagement: AI can help identify opportunities for community engagement by analyzing local data and trends. It can also facilitate the creation of small group content and discussion prompts, ensuring that conversations remain dynamic and relevant.

NEXT STEPS

To continue building on our AI engagement, we are taking the following steps:

  • Develop the AI Engagement Guide for UU Congregations: This guide will provide detailed support for congregations at every phase of engagement, from awareness-building to advocacy.

  • Develop Introductory Videos: Create accessible videos that introduce key AI concepts and how they relate to UU values, making the information more digestible for all congregants.

  • Launch Smartacus as a Monthly Newsletter: Starting in January, this newsletter will consolidate content from "AI and the Human," "AI and Faith," and Peter Bowden’s YouTube channel, offering a rich resource for ongoing learning.

  • Establish Weekly Zoom Meetings: Hold regular meetings every Thursday at noon EST to discuss AI topics, share insights, and foster a sense of community around these conversations.

  • Collaborate with Soul Matters: Develop AI-themed content that supports their monthly themes, enriching the resources available to congregations.

  • Propose Collaboration with UU World: Work with UU World and "AI and Faith" to develop an AI-themed issue, helping to broaden the conversation within the wider UU community.

CONCLUSION

AI presents both opportunities and challenges for UU congregations. It challenges us to consider what it means to be human and how we can use powerful technologies responsibly. It also offers opportunities to enhance our work, extend our creativity, and deepen our engagement with our values and with one another.

As we move forward, we must ensure that our engagement with AI is guided by our core values of justice, equity, compassion, and the interconnected web of all existence. By building awareness, fostering dialogue, and moving towards meaningful action and advocacy, we can shape a future where AI serves humanity, respects human dignity, and contributes to a more just and compassionate world.